Configure Numeric and Calculated Observation Answers

Numeric observation answers can be configured and used on their own, however they are not used in the calculation of condition scores. If desired, you can also configure a Calculated answer type to use those numeric observations to create calculated observations, where calculations are automatically performed based on values entered on the inspection. The calculations can include addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, or exponents.

NOTE: Starting in 15.3, decimal values can now be used in calculated inspection observation answers.

  1. Select a custom inspection template from the Templates panel.
  2. Click the Observations tab on the Details tab.
  3. Select the Observation you'd like to add an Observation Answer to.

The Observation Details section displays, along with existing answers in the Observation Answers section.

  1. Click Add in the Observation Answers section to add an answer.
  2. Select Numeric from the Answer Format drop-down list.
  3. Click Add.

NOTE: You can only add one answer for a Numeric answer type.

  1. Enter the Answer Details for the Numeric observation answer.

  1. If desired, enter a minimum number in the Min field. Users populating this observation answer field on an inspection are required to enter a number greater than the minimum specified here.
  2. If desired, enter a maximum number in the Max field. Users populating this observation answer on an inspection are required to enter a number lesser than the maximum specified here.

NOTE: If an item on the Answer Details section is dimmed, that means it is not available for the answer type or QA Model chosen.

  1. If desired, enter Instructions and an Explanation for the employee completing this inspection.
  2. Repeat these steps to create multiple numeric answers for the desired observations.

If desired, you can add a Calculated observation answer that utilizes the numeric observation answers.

IMPORTANT: You must have at least two numeric answers created in order to add Calculated observation answers to an observation.

  1. Select an observation you'd like to add a Calculated observation answer to.
  2. Click Add in the Observation Answers section to add an answer.

  1. Select Calculated from the Answer Format drop-down list.
  2. Click Add.

  1. Enter the Answer Details.

  1. Enter a Score used to calculate the condition score.
  2. Click Edit Calculation.

  1. In the Edit Calculation panel, create the calculation by selecting values from the drop-down lists. To create the calculation, you can choose to insert numbers or answer values based on observation answers entered at the time of the inspection, along with an operator (+, -, *, /, ^). You can insert additional expressions (a group of numbers or variables along with an operator), such as (2 + 5), to create a more complex calculation.

NOTE: If you want the Calculations to be based on previous numeric answers created, select Answer Value from the drop-down list and select the desired observation.

NOTE: Calculated observations support fifteen or more operations in one calculation. In Cityworks 15.8.1, the number of supported operations increased to forty or more depending on the complexity of the calculation.

  1. To remove an expression, select it and click Collapse Expression.
  2. To remove an operation or an answer value, select it and click Remove.
  3. Click Save.

The calculation appears in the Calculation box.

When Observations are filled out on an inspection, the numbers entered into the Numeric observation answers will be calculated based on the Calculation Answer type you've set up.

For an explanation of fields found on this page, see Observation Tab Fields.

NOTE: Designer automatically saves the changes you make. A notification that says Data Saved appears in the top-right corner when you make changes to the page.